Re: Why Volunteer?

Here is the summary for tonight lovely people

Have you done volunteer work? What type? Do any of your friends volunteer?

Many of us said we had done volunteer work and some of us started at a young age and have done volunteer work more than paid work. We all mentioned a range of work especially working for charitable work like 40hour Famine, Giving blood, mentoring and working for ReachOut. We all mentioned what a great experience it is and a good place to meet new people and make lifelong friends. You can also learn new skills and find out more about yourself in doing so.

What kind of volunteering options are out there? Where could you find opportunities?

There are so many opportunities everywhere such as Uni, Volunteer Australia website and Google. Plus there are so many organizations that promote online and offline as well. There are so many things you can do like fundraising, giving, going activities, spreading the word, helping and supporting people and sometimes you can spend your time hanging out with people who are elderly.

How do you know what volunteer opportunities suit you?

Trial and error is a good way to figure out what you want and what works for you. You can also do some research and get other people’s opinions about it. You should also choose something you are comfortable doing for a long period of time. It is also all about being self aware and knowing what you want to learn and what you want to give back. Ask yourself questions like what opportunity do you want to gain experience and how do you want to help others? Don’t volunteer at a place that you dread going to because you need to find something you love and that brings out the passion in you.

How has volunteering made you feel or how do you think it would make you feel?

Volunteering makes some of us feel proactive, accomplished, it makes us feel proud and filled with joy. The feeling of paying it forward gives out positivity and good vibes which we all love. It also empowers us and makes us feel confident which gives us some warm and fuzzies inside. Getting a Thank you is also rewarding and makes us feel generous and all lovely inside.

What benefits does volunteering provide you with? How does it benefit others?

Volunteering gives us confidence, we gain some skills in life and in work and it makes us grow as individuals because we gain compassion, determination and self awareness. It can also lead to other opportunities whether it is paid or unpaid.Other people get support and encouragement that they need, organizations get people who will work for them and have passionate team workers. It is also positive in the community and spreads the message to other people that there is help. Overall it is a win/win situation.

If you had a friend who was thinking of volunteering for the first time, what's the number one tip you would provide them with?

Go for it, give it all you've got and have fun!!!

Try to choose something that you are passionate about so that you get the most out of it.

Go easy on yourself

If you pick something that you are interested in and are passionate about, you will most likely enjoy the role more and get more out of it.

Open your mind and your heart and be open to experience new and challenging things.

Try as many new things as possible, even if it is totally out of your "comfort zone"

Do something that makes you scared, but don’t put yourself in harm/danger.

Don't sell yourself out. You have something valuable to offer, even if you might not think it.

In order to have an adventure you need to be at least 5% nervous

We also shared some funny experiences that we have had volunteering which make it all the more worth it and exciting. If you want to hear some more experience check this out.

Thanks all for coming, you have made this session AMAZING

_________________________________________________**Believe in the power of you because you are your own hero**